'Look, you will soon face a dangerous crisis; the devil will try to ensnare you. To start with, he will tell you that frequent Communion is good for children, not for adults, and that once in a great while is quite enough for you. Then he will do his best to keep you from sermons by making you feel bored by God’s words. He will convince you that certain things are not sinful. Then you’ll have to tussle with friends and what they might say, with [dangerous] readings, with your own passions, and so on. Be on your guard. Do not let the devil rob you of that piece of mind and purity of soul which makes you God’s friends!'
(Don Bosco)
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News and events from the Asian and Australian Salesian world reported by Fr. Julian Fox, SDB._________________
AustraLasia is an email service for the Salesian Family of Asia Pacific. It also functions as an agency for ANSbased in Rome. For queries please contact
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Don Bosco patron of football? Why not!
Proposal of a journalist in an Austrian newspaper
 (ANS – Vienna) – The journalist Albert Christian Sellner in the pages of the Austrian daily “Der Standard” has proposed Don Bosco as the patron of football and suggested to the Pope that he should promote this recognition.
In the weekend edition of 3-4 July, Sellner notes that many footballers pray and look up to heaven as they are playing and yet there is no official patron for the profession. In spite of the fact that FIFA had forbidden the use of religious symbols and gestures most of the players don’t seem to take any notice and openly express their religious faith. Maradona, for example, during the World Cup has been seen with some rosary beads as the matches are played. In fact many professional and social settings have their holy protector; St Isidor of Seville is the patron of the Internet, St Clare of Assisi of the television, St Joseph of Copertino of space travel , the Archangel Gabriel of telecommunications. Although some sports have patrons such as St Sebastian for athletics, football still lacks its holy protector. National Teams could turn to saints from their own country such as England and St George, France and St Joan of Arc, Italy and the meek St Francis of Assisi, Slovakia and St Martin. And who could be the patron of football? The reply of Sellner, and others involved is unequivocal: Don Bosco. The reason? The characteristics of football: youth, friendship, artistic skill and celebration are all associated with Don Bosco. In his article Sellner gives a short biographical sketch of the saint from Turin mentioning how he roamed the streets of the city looking for boys and a suitable place to gather them together, demonstrating all his own personal skills in games, artistry and creativity which helped him in his mission of education. “At his death over 200 thousand youngsters had enjoyed the benefits of his friendship”. Sellner gets to the point. As John Paul II declared Don Bosco “Father and Teacher of Youth,” “Benedict XVI would have the chance of making a mark in the world of football by proclaiming Don Bosco patron of football.” It was a Salesian who brought to the attention of the ANS Office the article in the Austrian daily with a liberal slant – Fr Bernahard Maier chaplain to the Austrian Olympic and Para-olympic squads. Sellner’s suggestion recognises the great contribution Don Bosco and his Salesians have made to games and sport as occasions for education and human development, emphasising their value in bringing people together over the competitive.
Don Rua celebration - and spare a prayer for Fr Ochoa please!
PHNOM PENH: 15 July 2010 -- 1,500 young people from different provinces of Cambodia under the Don Bosco Children Fund (DBCF) Project came to Don Bosco Technical School (DBTS) Phnom Penh Thmey to celebrate Don Rua Day on July 10-11. These youngsters are just one-third of the actual number of beneficiaries of the sponsorship by generous benefactors from different countries to assist poor children and youth in Cambodia in their health and basic education.
In celebration of the Centenary of the Death of Blessed Michael Rua the overnight celebration aimed at making Don Rua known through fun-filled youthful activities, songs and presentations animated by volunteer leaders from DBTS and Volunteers of DBCF.
The celebration ended with an invitation by Fr. Roel Soto, SDB, Vicar of DBTS, to ask the intercession of Blessed Michael Rua for the full and quick recovery of Fr. Leo Ochoa SDB, the Salesian in charge of the DBCF, who suffered a stroke two weeks ago while preparing the leaders for the Don Rua Day.
New 'baby' Bulletin born digital - Congrats to Khmer effort
SIHANOUKVILLE: 13 July 2010 -- There is a new Salesian Bulletin to add to the 56 or is it 57 editions now available throughout the world - the Khmer Salesian Bulletin, Cambodia. But it is a Bulletin with a difference, and this is possibly a first in the history of the SB - it is a digital native!
Commenting briefly on the first edition, which is available as a PDF on Issu , Fr Al Rodas, who has played a major part in involving the Don Bosco Communication Department at Sihanoukville in its production, indicates that the new SB is online because at the moment they would not have the funds to produce a printed version.
It is a start. While it will not be possible for most outside of Cambodia to follow the Khmer script, it may be possible to note layout and even content in general terms, and Fr Rodas asks that "suggestions, comments, articles or files" for the next edition are welcome. Don't let him down! Year of Youth in the Philippines - a "providential opportunity"
MANILA: 13 July 2010 -- The Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) declared2011, in its 18 July 2010 meeting, to be the Year of Youth in the Philippines. Upon the request of the FIN Province, in coordination with the FIS, the Year of Youth in the country begins on 16 December 2010, the first day of the nation’s novena dawn masses in preparation for Christmas. This Philippine tradition called the “misa de gallo” is meant “to preserve the Catholic faith” in this largely Catholic country in Asia, and the first day of these novena masses is dedicated for the intention of the evangelization of youth.
In their letter of request to the bishops, FIN mentioned the visit of the casket of St. John Bosco to FIS (5-22 Dec) and to FIN (23 Dec-15 Jan) as a reason to begin the year of youth at the start of the liturgical year, not the civil or school year. The bishops indeed recognized this visit of “the father and teacher of youth” as a “providential opportunity.”
While this provides an opportunity for FIN and FIS to make known the person and the mission of St. John Bosco to the larger church and society, the responsibility for the evangelization of the youth of the Philippines becomes for the confreres now much wider than those of their own educative-pastoral communities.
Don Bosco Vocational School Extends Outreach
PHNOM PEN: 12 July 2010 -- We often hear of the SDB work in Cambodia. Time now to hear a little of the Sisters as reported locally (no attempt to alter the terminology employed in the report).....
"A Church-run school’s mission to provide quality education for poor Cambodian girls received a boost recently with the opening of a new dormitory and library. About 300 people, including a senior government official, attended the July 2 opening of the Don Bosco Vocational Training Center’s new building in Phnom Penh. The facility also houses study rooms and an audio visual room.
Pich Sophoan, adviser to Prime Minister Hun Sen, praised the Salesian nuns for their “work of love” in providing vocational training and lodging for young female students. He said the nuns are the government’s partners in developing Cambodia’s human resource and reducing poverty.
Ka Sros, a first-year student, says the dormitory would allow her to save on room rental. “I’ll be able to stay in this new building and reduce my expenses,” said the 20-year-old.
The Salesian nuns aim to promote the values of morality and honesty through education, and to train girls to become leaders, school director Sister Elizabeth Ophriini Lohrii said during the opening ceremony. Not only do the girls benefit from their education, the school also organizes outreach programs to five nearby villagers every Sunday during which students teach children and youths hygiene and literacy, including English.
The school was established in 1992. A total of 729 students have since completed two-year courses in home management and secretarial and computer skills.
Many are headhunted by employers even before graduation.
Changing the baton in EAO: ITM and MYM DILI (Timor Leste) and YANGON (Myanmar): 4 July 2010 -- Given the announcement in Dili, Timor Leste, these days of the newly appointed Superior for Indonesia and Timor Leste. Fr Joao Paulino Aparicio Guterres, and in Yangon, Myanmar, of Fr Maurice Vallence, the big question has been when the changeovers are likely to take place.
Both are scheduled for this month. In fact, the first ceremony to take place will be in Dili on 17 July, when Fr Joao takes over from the current Superior, Fr Andres Calleja. The second ceremony is due on 24 July when Fr Maurice takes over from the current Superior Fr Joachim Ye Maung.
In the former instance, the appointment of Fr Joao marks the first appointment of a Timorese as Superior of the Vice Province of St Callistus Caravario, established as such in 1998. In his 40th year, Fr Joao is amongst the youngest of recently appointed Superiors of a circumscription (while the term 'Provincial' is in common use across the board for anyone in this role, technically, for a vice province, the term is 'Superior'). Fr Joao, however, is no newcomer to leadership, having been the vice superior for the circumscription since 2008, and he also has held and for that matter currently holds other roles such as social communications and youth ministry delegate.
Given an earlier decision of the Rector Major and his Council to create an delegation for Indonesia, it is expected that a Delegate for the Indonesian side of ITM will be announced within the next month.
New Classrooms blessed: Don Bosco School, Andaung Chenh Village
BATTAMBANG: 9 June 2010 -- June 7, 2010 was a day of celebration and thanksgiving at Andaung Chenhh village. Bishop Kike Figaredo SJ, Apostolic Prefect of Battambang, Cambodia, came to bless the classrooms in the presence of 250 teachers and students in the morning.
Andaung Chenh is a village of 700 families where Don Bosco Literacy School is situated. The Salesian presence started out there in 1999 for children of workers in the brick factories and paddy fields. Classes were taught in classrooms under the shade of big trees and a zinc-roofed building. Don Bosco’s concern and commitment for equal opportunities attracted Salesian friends and kind donors from the Netherlands who believe that school is the place for children and not brick factories or paddy fields. They assisted in the construction of a two-storey building of twelve classrooms.
Challenged by the words of the Apostolic Prefect, the teachers met in the afternoon for a 3-hour session to reflect on the rationale of the centre: building a community one person at a time where the child’s journey begins here and now; a journey of excellence.
The centre’s identity statement was also explained by Fr. Leo Ochoa SDB, “We build the Don Bosco Environment, home and family, wat (temple) and playground, where F.I.S.H is lived and shared, or in other words, F for Friendliness, I for Integrity, S for Solidarity and H for Harmony”. The day ended with a family supper of togetherness and cheerfulness.
'Senior Fellow' joins distinguished list
MELBOURNE: 6 June 2010 -- Fr. Francis J Moloney SDB was inducted as a Senior Fellow of the Catholic Theological College (CTC), Melbourne, on Thursday 3 June, during its Annual Mass and Dinner. This honour recognises Fr Moloney's long association with CTC and his contributions. He began teaching Scripture there in 1976 and continued in this role until his appointment as a Professor of Australian Catholic University in 1994.
Since his return from the United States at the end of 2005 Fr Moloney has taught two winter-intensive courses at CTC on the Gospel of John.
As current Provincial of the Australia-Pacific Province of the Salesians, Fr Moloney serves on the Senate, the governing body of Catholic Theological College.
Fr Moloney now joins other Senior Fellows of the College: Fr John Begley SJ (2004), Fr Austin Cooper OMI (2005), Fr Norman Ford SDB (2005), Bro. Rod Doyle (2006), Fr Peter Cross (2006), Fr Peter Kenny (2007) and Fr Ian Waters 2008, thus making him the second Salesian to join this distinguished list.
The Australian-Pacific Province of the Salesians of Don Bosco congratulates Fr Moloney on this significant recognition of his long-standing contribution to the life of Catholic Theological College
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On another sadder note, readers who knew Fr Bill Edwards (Bill had studied in the US prior to ordination, then in later years briefly at the UPS), will be sad to know of his death on 3 June in Melbourne. He was a 'senior fellow' of another order, a much respected confrere of the Australia-Pacific Province living out his final years in patient suffering. In recent years Bill had been suffering from dementia, but was wonderfully cared for both by the Salesian communities to which he was variously attached, skilled personnel in two nursing homes who looked after him, and in a special way too by a close friend, a past pupil of his who devoted much of his time to accompanying Bill when he could no longer look after himself.
Apart from the study periods oversees, Fr Edward's entire Salesian life was totally dedicated to youth, and that included many a young Salesian, in Australia, and for a period in the Pacific Islands of Samoa and Fiji. He was variously teacher, principal, novice master, confessor, the ever-present counselor to many a person, and goodness personified.
Mary Help of Christians - the ADMA moment
ROME: 23-05-10 -- With the Feast of Mary Help of Christians now just a few hours away, and the focus very much on Turin with 93 Salesian bishops, the Rector Major and his Council all at Valdocco, it seems an excellent moment to draw attention to a fast-growing group - ADMA or the Mary Help of Christians Association, which has its HQ at Valdocco itself, as has been the case since Don Bosco founded it.... and that's the point. We so often seem to speak of SDB, FMA and Salesian Cooperators as 'founded by Don Bosco', quietly overlooking the fact that ADMA was too! And now, especially with the dynamic assistance of Fr Cameroni, this group is developing rapidly in its contemporary understanding of its place and role in the vast Salesian movement.
"Be the light of the world....": Mary Help Parish Phnom Penh on Mothers Day
PHNOM PENH: 13 May 2010 -- “Be the light of the world among fellow young Cambodians by the witness of lives and mutual love” was the message presented by the Children and Youth Office (CYO) of the Vicariate of Phnom Penh as it celebrated Mothers’ Day with a one-day retreat at the Salesian Parish of Mary, Our Help, Phnom Penh Thmey, Phnom Penh, Cambodia Sunday, May 9, 2010 with 220 Catholic youth coming from the different parishes of the Vicariate.
Led by Jesus Youth International, a vibrant group of young people who start their lives afresh from Jesus, the retreat was an option to give time to the Lord responding to the challenges of today’s need in the power of the Word and the Spirit. Hence, the retreat was a reaching out to young people to focus their lives on the power of God’s love, experience the Eucharist and Fellowship and share the Good News with one another.
The event was graced by the visit of the Coadjutor Bishop, Rev. Olivier Schmitthaeusler, while Bishop Emile Destombes celebrated the concluding mass. Fr. Leo Ochoa gave the homily which challenged the participants to be the light of the world among fellow young Cambodians by the witness of the lives and the love for one another.
Australasia News by Fr. Julian Fox Journalist of the Salesian Society settled in Rome Doctor Maeda: a wonderful, generous benefactor
KAWASAKI: 10 May 2010
Thirty six years have slipped beneath the bridges of life's stream since that distant April 1974, when the Salesian aspirantate opened in Kawasaki. Fr Franco Nakagaki, who died in 1999, was the Rector and Fr Loro Piana, a newly-ordained priest, was the assistant, but from the outset there was one person, the devoutly Christian Dr Thomas Maeda Norihisa, who in so many ways made himself present to the aspirantate through his affection and collaboration.
The Saint Marianna Hospital was built in the 60s under his direction. Today it holds more than one thousand beds, and nearby is the University of Medicine, preparing future doctors with a program which also includes the study of Christian thinking.
Dr Maeda organised a fervent group of faithful in the Parish at Saginuma. They have continued to help the aspirantate both spiritually and materially. The vast majority of young confreres in this Province come through the Kawasaki aspirantate and all of them gratefully recall not just the happy suppers at Dr Maeda's home, but also and especially his warm words of encouragement.
On Saturday 5 May, a children's feast day in Japan, around twenty young priests and brothers wanted to come together in the church at Saginuma (Kawasaki) to express their gratitude to their great benefactor Dr Maeda who has already passed his 90th birthday’, but who continues to pray for and help the aspirants
During the Mass celebrated by the Provincial Fr Aldo Cipriani, the principal of Yokohama Salesian School Fr Daniel Torigoe gave a very warm homily, recalling that he was one of the first seven boys to enter the new aspirantate as a student in 1974.
A solemn but fraternal agape followed, during which the main personage, along with his wife, could not hide his surprise at such a warm and unexpected show of gratitude.
Thank you Dr Maeda and ad multos annos.
Newly professed for FIN and FIS
TALISAY CITY, CEBU 6 May 2010 --The Salesians of the North and South Philippine Provinces (FIN and FIS) were blessed with new professions on the Feast of Saint Dominic Savio.
Around 300 hundred faithful witnessed the First Professions of Keith Amodia (FIS), Ryan Oliver Bautista (FIN), Dennis Maleon (FIN), and Vince Michael Sabal (FIS) in the chapel at the Don Bosco Formation Center - Lawaan (DBFC). The FIS Provincial, Fr. George Militante, presided at the mass and received the profession of the new Salesians, all of whom are candidates for the priesthood. Fr. Danilo Torres, FIN Vice Provincial, gave the homily.
Newly professed Vince Sabal thanked all who came to the event, especially those who have given much time and effort in making the celebration possible. Fr. George expressed his gratitude, on behalf of the Salesians, to the new Salesians and their families for their generosity in answering the call to the religious life.
Visits Tribal presence rewarded with first profession- THA
LatSAMPRAN: 5 May 2010-- 1 May saw the first profession of two young Thai Salesians at the Don Bosco Novitiate in Sampran at a ceremony at which the Provincial, Fr Depharat, presided. The two are Bros Thomas Nattawut Kitsawad and Matthew Rachapong Wanpadet. Thomas comes from Sampran itself; he frequented the oratory run by the prenovices, novices and postnovices. In his speech, he cited the names of the confreres who had attracted him to the Salesian life; some of them were present at the concelebration.
Matthew came from a tribal group from the North of Thailand. His parents and relatives came in their traditional garb. The aspirants from Chiang Mai came; they are all from the tribal groups and are certainly encouraged by the profession of one of them.
It was a very impressive celebration with the lively and active participation of a good number of confreres, members of the Salesian Family, benefactors and friends. A familiar lunch together was prepared by the community. Latest in ASIA & AUSTRALIA -- Journeying with Don Bosco!
Veteran journalist visits DB Tech!
SIHANOUKVILLE: 1 May 2010 -- Last Thursday, April 29, the social communication and journalist section of the Don Bosco Technical School in Sihanoukville, Cambodia, was visited by American producer and NBA reporter James Loving is currently working in Phnom Penh covering sports, entertainment and travel for NATIONAL RADIO.com. The veteran journalist who has come to Cambodia on December 25, 1998 and follows the development of the country, shared with students and teachers of the newest section of the port-city school.
A quick glance at the NATIONAL RADIO.com in Cambodia reveals a lively IT and media scene. Don Bosco Tech School in Sihanoukville, with its communications department, is intent on preparing its students to be both professional and active in the scene. The NATIONAL RADIO.com website is an interesting site for gaining information on young Asians in today's media culture and James Loving makes an interesting observer of all this. The website contains a number of his reflections over a period spanning 1980 when he first visited Thailand, until today. Don Bosco students stand up against corruption
PORT MORESBY: 29 April 2010 -- Students and staff of Don Bosco Technological Institute (DBTI) in Port Moresby will sign a petition calling on the PNG Parliament to reject an amendment known as the Maladina amendment during its final reading when Parliament meets next Tuesday. The amendment has resulted in vigorous debate in the public forum, especially since it is seen as restricting the power of the Ombudsman.
School principal Fr Valeriano Barbero told Transparency International PNG chairman Peter Aitsi during a visit last Friday that the institution was against the proposed amendment. Fr Valeriano said the way they see it, the changes would weaken the commission’s powers to hold leaders accountable for their actions in the use of public funds.
“The Don Bosco school stands in support of what you are doing in opposing corruption....We are behind you in stopping any bill that might promote corruption in the country,” Fr Valeriano said. He told students that if they wanted to stop corruption, they had to start with themselves.
On March 9, Parliament voted 83-0 to amend section 27(4) of the PNG Constitution, effectively disallowing the Ombudsman Commission from issuing directives to prevent payment from public funds to office holders if it feels there was impropriety. The bill will go through its third and final reading when Parliament meets next Tuesday.
Transparency International PNG and concerned individuals and organisations have gone on the campaign trail to try and stop Parliament from voting for the amendment. They say that these changes would take away the watchdog’s ability to stop politicians and public office holders from wasting public money and make it even harder for investigations to be carried out on leaders when they are suspected of misconduct in office.
“It is right for us to hold our leaders to account because they represent us, the people of PNG; if we let them take away that right from us, then the situation will be that they don’t work for us but for themselves,” Mr Aitsi told students.
“The number one step is to learn about the amendment so that you are better placed to understand and know the implications it is going to have on you in the future,” he said. Mr Aitsi encouraged the students to be involved, saying: “This is our nation, and we must stand up and be heard because if we don’t, the opportunities you see and have today will not be here for your children.”
On May 4, TIPNG, through the Community Coalition Against Corruption (CCAC) will deliver a petition to Parliament on these proposed changes, urging politicians to vote against the Maladina amendment.
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